Best of 2025

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Top 10 posts — Part I

Time limited events were particularly popular this past year— one still runs until January 2nd :

10. Vogue : Inventing the Runway — Front row runway seats at some of the best fashion shows in history
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/03/vogue-inventing-runway.html
9. Van Gogh All-Nighter — Night-time tickets for final weekend of Van Gogh : Poets & Lovers exhibition
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/01/van-gogh-all-nighter.html
8. Hampton Court Gardens for free — Just in time for US Mother's Day weekend
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/05/hampton-court-gardens-for-free.html
7. Paddington Bear — Where to find this beloved British icon
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/02/paddington-bear.html
6. Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas — Light show and window displays until January 2nd
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/11/selfridges-disney-most-magical-christmas.html

Best of 2025 — Part II will feature the best of the best from 2025.

Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas

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For the first time, Selfridges has partnered with Disney for a Christmas celebration. The store’s façade has been transformed into an iconic Disney castle inspired by Disneyland Paris' Sleeping Beauty Castle complete with Mickey Mouse flags along the roofline.

A Tinker Bell–sparked light show illuminates the façade every 15 minutes from 5–9 p.m. daily until January 2. Over 100 meters of sparkling lights wrap around the building featuring 40 stars, the Jolly Roger ship from Disney's Peter Pan, and Cinderella’s carriage, all choreographed to the Cinderella soundtrack.

Twelve charming hand-painted windows showcase classic Disney stories, including 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, and Pinocchio.

A festive, magical experience for all!

www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 02030 920557
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

London Lights Up

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Each year, London transforms into a festive wonderland with Christmas lights. Oxford Street, Regent Street, St James', and Carnaby Street are among the first to turn on.

Oxford Street is the first to go on with its suspended lights stretching the length of the street.

A short walk away is Regent Street with its Spirit of Christmas installation. The iconic angel sculptures float overhead with their wings above the curving historic boulevard.
St James' beautiful golden decorations accent the area's classic architecture.

Nearby Carnaby Street is known for its creative holiday lighs based on different theme every year. This year's theme All is Bright stands out for its colorful and contemporary display.

Before leaving the area, there are two stops worth making:
Bonus 1 : Once again, Fortnum & Mason building façade has been converted to a giant advent calendar.
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040
Bonus 2: Once again, Broadwick Soho has added an impressive light display as part of an extended partnership wtih Moulin Rouge! The Musical. www.broadwicksoho.com ✆ +44 20 70 474000
Top Tip: Visit after 10:30 p.m. for the best photos and minimal crowds.

Together, these displays create a sparkling light trail that kicks off the magic of the holiday season in London!

Miffy Pop-Up Shop Opens

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Celebrating 70 years

Created in 1955 by Dutch artist Dick Bruna, Miffy — the beloved rabbit with two dots for eyes and a cross-shaped mouth — enjoys worldwide following from fans of all ages.  Her adventures have been translated into 50+ languages, and her simple, timeless design is popular with adults and children.  Miffy's appeal extends beyond books and inspires everything from fashion collaborations to art exhibitions.

To celebrate Miffy’s 70th anniversary, a special pop-up shop has opened in London just off Carnaby Street, offering exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and limited-edition gifts.  Visitors can explore Miffy-themed items such as outfits inspired by old master paintings and miniature furniture pieces, along with a small exhibit highlighting the character’s enduring legacy.


The pop-up, which opened just in time for the holidays, will run through spring — with hopes of a permanent store to come.  Whether you’re a long-term fan or new to the magical world of Miffy — this shop is worth a visit!
 www.miffyshop.co.uk ✆ +44 2089 402752
8 Newburgh Street, Soho, London W1F 7RJ

Fortnum & Mason Wild Waste Windows

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Resourceful Animals

For 300 years, Fortnum & Mason's captivating window displays blend creativity, storytelling, and sustainability.  Their current display, Resourceful Animals, celebrates the animal kingdom’s greatest innovators and nature’s resourcefulness through custom sculptures made entirely from the store’s own waste.

Each animal, chosen for its adaptability or scavenging habits, highlights the concept of sustainability.  The large-scale sculptures include:
  • Bowerbirds crafted from dented biscuit tins and tea caddies

  • Dung beetles made from workshop remnants, such as paint chips, nails moldings and sawdust

  • An elephant formed from old Christmas brochures, marketing materials and store signage

  • Hermit crabs, hyenas, and vultures built from packaging, old uniforms, and scrap metals, respectively

  • An octopus sculpted from kitchen waste, including seafood shells and
    wine corks
In contrast to the excess often associated with luxury brands, Fortnum & Mason's display emphasizes reuse and resourcefulness.

These beautifully constructed animals invite passersby to pause and take a closer look — especially timely as the holiday season approaches.
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040

Lavazza Flagship Store

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Celebrate World Coffee Day October 1st

In December 2023, Lavazza unveiled its impressive 5,300-square-foot flagship store in London, inspired by its original location in Milan. Located across from the iconic Liberty department store and just steps from Oxford Circus and Regent Street, the space blends Italian heritage with modern design.

With World Coffee Day on October 1st, there’s no better time to visit and immerse yourself in Lavazza’s world of premium Italian coffee.

The store is divided into three distinct experiences:

Caffetteria
  • Showcases both classic and contemporary coffee styles
  • Features Lavazza blends, espresso, and specialty creations
  • Barista-led demos and interactive coffee moments
Pasticceria
  • Italian pastries crafted to pair perfectly with coffee
  • Signature desserts by renowned pastry chef Marco Pedron
  • Includes Tiramisù, biscotti, fruit tarts, and shortbread
Gastronomia
  • Savory dishes, snacks, and light meals
  • Menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Federico Zanasi
  • Italian aperitivo-inspired small plates and gourmet bites
Extra : Watch for special themed menus during events like Afternoon Tea Week and Wimbledon — in partnership with Lavazza for 15 years.

Whether you're a dedicated coffee lover or just in need of a mid-day pick-me-up, Lavazza’s London flagship offers a stylish escape to sip, savor, and slow down.
www.lavazza.co.uk ✆ +44 2033 073730

Downton Abbey Floral Farewell

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Fleurs de Villes September 22 - October 1st

Following the London premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 3rd and the film’s UK cinema release on September 12th, Kew Gardens will host Fleurs de Villes: Flowers in the City – Downton Abbey from September 22 to October 1.

This enchanting exhibition features floral installations by top London floral designers, inspired by the beloved period drama. Expect to see lifelike botanical mannequins of Crawley family members, household staff, and other fan favorites — dressed head to toe in intricate, plant-based couture.


After captivating audiences in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York (pictured) and Vancouver, the exhibit arrives in London — city renowned for its floral artistry, from the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows to Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom.  The displays at Kew promise to be nothing short of spectacular.

Visitors can also enjoy live floral demonstrations, engaging talks by expert florists, and afternoon tea in the elegant Orangery. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite floral creation.

Whether you're a Downton Abbey devotee, a flower lover, or just seeking a unique day out, this is an event not to miss!
www.kew.org ✆ +44 2083 325655
288 Kew Road, Kew Gardens TW9 3DU